Mother seeks change so child's death was not in vain

A grieving mother is advocating for faster diagnosis of paediatric brain tumours following the loss of her six-year-old daughter. Sam Tucker, from Bristol, believes crucial signs were missed when her daughter Molly was found to have a large brain mass. Molly passed away in 2017 while the family lived in Dorset.

Ms Tucker, together with other mothers who have lost children, presented a study to health ministers highlighting inconsistencies in brain tumour treatment across the UK. She hopes that sharing her daughters story will ensure her death leads to meaningful change.

Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust stated that all complaints are thoroughly investigated, but declined to comment on specific cases.

Sam Tucker described the joy of becoming a mother when Molly was born in 2010. During an eight-month check-up, a routine measurement of Mollys head size showed an increase, but no further symptoms prompted concern. Reflecting on it now, Ms Tucker sees this as a missed opportunity that should have raised immediate alarms.

In her early months, Molly struggled to thrive. Over the following two years, Ms Tucker noticed signs that something was wrong, but no diagnosis was reached. One morning, she found Molly limp in bed, leading to her immediate admission to the paediatric ward at Dorset County Hospital. During her stay, Molly experienced a seizure and a CT scan revealed a large brain tumour deemed inoperable at first.

Molly was transferred to Southampton Hospital for emergency surgery, with her parents warned that she might not survive the journey. She underwent a 10-hour debulking operation to remove most of the tumour, leaving approximately 5% behind. At the time, Ms Tucker was pregnant with her second daughter, Rebecca, and expressed amazement at how Molly survived with the tumour growing inside her.

After two weeks in intensive care, Molly began chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was able to return home, remaining stable for 18 months. In 2017, the tumour returned, and ultimately took her life. Molly was remembered as a remarkable child, leaving a strong impression on everyone who met her. She died at home on 28 September, surrounded by her parents and two younger sisters, Rebecca and Bella.

This week, Ms Tucker joined the Angel Mumsa group of mothers who lost children to brain tumoursin London to present a study to health ministers. Compiled by the Tessa Jowell Foundation, a charity established in memory of the late MP and culture secretary, the study proposes 13 recommendations aimed at improving care for brain tumour patients.

Dr Nicky Huskens, CEO of the foundation, noted that while core treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are generally consistent nationwide, access to clinical trials and specialised care including school reintegration and mental health support varies by location.

The Angel Mums marched from Westminster to Great Ormond Street Hospital, wearing angel wings, and presented the report while singing carols. Ms Tucker expressed hope that the recommendations will drive real change, ensuring that children like Molly didnt die for nothing.

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton stated that every child deserves equitable access to brain cancer treatment, and the Department of Health and Social Care is committed to expanding access to clinical trials and reducing cancer waiting times.

Author: Sophia Brooks